Michael Jordan wanted to play basketball but the older kids thought he was too short. His mom said that if he ate healthy, practiced, and put salt in his shoes--and waited patiently--then he would grow and improve. Michael followed her advice and determinedly kept working toward his goal.

Biography
2-5th grade
This is such a wonderful way for kids to learn more about what went into becoming the man a lot of them will admire! I think it is so cool and funny that his mom told him that putting salt in his shoes would make him grow taller. Michael Jordan has been so influential to the basketball world and now kids can learn what went into making him one of the best!

Third grade boys ride hard for this book

Salt in his shoes is about Michael Jordan and a moment in his childhood. Michael Jordan is afraid that he will not be tall enough to be able to compete with the taller boys in basketball. However, his mother convinces him that if he continues to work hard, pray, and put salt in his shoes, that he will grow. This book definitely should be in any library for children who love sports!

This story was written by Michael Jordan's mother and sister and tells about his childhood. When Michael Jordan was younger, his older brothers always played basketball at a nearby court. Michael always wanted to play with them but he was much younger and smaller so he was only allowed to play when one of the older boys wasn't there. When he did have the rare opportunity to play, he often couldn't shoot well because everyone was so much taller than him. He became very frustrated. When he went home he told his mother how he was feeling and she comforted him by telling him that she had a cure to help him grow taller. She told him that she would put salt in his shoes and that if they both prayed each night, it would help them grow taller.Michael decided to not go play with the older boys for awhile while he was waiting to grow taller and practiced around the house. he waited for months and practiced very hard. One day, he measured himself but was very upset when he realized he hadn't grown an inch. When he went to talk to his dad about it, his dad told him that height wasn't what was important. It was practice that mattered. Feeling great, Micheal went down to the park and demanded to play with the older boys. He ended up winning the game for his team, regardless of his height.

As a teacher, I think this book has a lot to offer. I think the message from this book is that even famous stars had to start somewhere. I think it also shows that everyone gets frustrated at some point in life but it's our perseverance that makes us grow. I would definitely have this book in my class and I know I will use it every year no matter what grade I'm teaching.

Sweet book written by Michael Jordan’s mother about his struggle to play basketball with the taller boys in his neighborhood, how his family encouraged him, and how his faith and hard work gave him the courage and skill to face the taller boys and score the winning basket.

inspirational story that teaches children to persevere toward your dreams. All you really need is already inside you.

Michael Jordan was once small and pretty normal like most of us. However, he reached his ultimate goal by being mentally tough and working extremely hard. Anyone can reach their goals through dedication and internal strength.

Anything Kadir Nelson touches is gold. Sweet inspirational story.

A really engaging story about Michael Jordan written by his mom! I love how this book emphasizes patience and hard work. Michael Jordan just wants to grow a bit taller and his mom tells him that he should put "salt" in his shoes. Michael does and days pass and he hasn't grown an inch. Like I mentioned before this book emphasizes patience. Look at Michael Jordan now 6'6! was it the salt in his shoes... :) Such a great uplifting story.

A great look at one of the GOATs of basketball: Michael Jordan and how his rise to notoriety may not have been as simple or as easy as we thought. Everyone used to be a kid with big dreams at some point!

Intended Audience: The intended audience for this book is 3rd grade.
Key Themes & Topics: This book has the themes of patience, best effort, perseverance, and goal setting. This is a true story about Michael Jordan. He almost gave up on his dream of playing professional basketball because he thought he would never grow tall enough. His parents taught him hard work, determination and persevere through the hardships
Why This Book: This book does a great job of illustrating the various emotions associated with feeling like you're not good enough. But even when you think you're not good enough if you put your mind to it you can be the best out there. This book is a good book to teach children to never give up on their dreams.